Vintage Sea Lion Caves Oregon Coast Highway Bumper Sign

Here we have a vintage Sea Lion Caves, Oregon Coast Highway bumper sign, a fascinating piece of ephemera from the scenic Pacific highway along U.S. Route 101. This unique piece of automotive history takes us back prior to the 1940s, a time before bumper stickers.

Before bumper stickers became a ubiquitous form of personal expression on our vehicles, bumper signs, like this one, were crafted from printed cardboard with holes in the corners. These signs could be affixed to a car's bumper using wire or string. While they allowed drivers to showcase their affiliations and interests, they weren't known for their weather resistance. Attempts were made to weatherize these signs with varnishes, shellac, or wax, but success was elusive, and not many exist intact today.

Sea Lion Caves, nestled along the Oregon coast, holds a captivating history that traces back to 1880 when it was discovered by Captain William Cox, a local seafarer. In 1927, R. E. Clanton acquired the land with the intent of turning the caves into a business. With the completion of U.S. Route 101 in sight, Clanton, along with partners J. G. Houghton and J. E. Jacobson, invested in constructing a safe access route, featuring a 1,500-foot hand-excavated trail and a wooden tower with 135 steps leading to the cave entrance. This trail made the Sea Lion Caves accessible to the public in August 1932, and over time, its popularity grew, aided by the addition of an elevator in 1961, making it a cherished destination for nature enthusiasts and travelers along the Oregon coast. In 2016, a new elevator was installed, ensuring its continued accessibility to all visitors.

This vintage Sea Lion Caves bumper sign not only offers a nostalgic glimpse into the evolution of vehicle adornment but also serves as a unique piece of Virginia's history. This piece of auto ephemera would look stunning framed and hung on a wall. Whether displayed as a conversation starter in your home or as part of your automotive memorabilia collection, it's a tangible piece of the past that sparks curiosity and tells a story of the days when cars proudly wore their interests on their "sleeves."